JAMES 3.13-18 HEAVENLY WISDOM VERSUS EARTHLY WISDOM OR THE TEST OF WISDOM PART 2

James 3:13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom. 14 But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. 15 This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. 16 For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. 17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. 18 Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. (NKJV)

CONCLUSION

 Certainly when we compare their ORIGIN, NATURE and FRUITS, the wisdom to be preferred is "HEAVENLY WISDOM"

 What kind of wisdom do we have?

• Those who have "EARTHLY WISDOM" boast of theirs (14)
• While those who have "HEAVENLY WISDOM" show theirs by their good conduct done in meekness (13)

 What kind of wisdom do we want?

• If EARTHLY, then no effort is necessary
•       1) Just do what the world tells you
•       2) Just do what feels right

1. But if HEAVENLY, then we must be diligent

•       To demonstrate such wisdom by our conduct
•     To seek such wisdom from God
• What kind of wisdom do you have in regards to the gospel of Christ?
• EARTHLY WISDOM makes no response to the gospel, or if any, only that which is convenient
• HEAVENLY WISDOM receives the commands of the gospel joyfully and obediently - cf. Mk 16:15-16; Ac 2:38

 Have you demonstrated "HEAVENLY WISDOM"?